Moraceae
Variegated Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica 'Belize')
Ficus elastica 'Belize'
Bright indirect light; a little gentle morning sun helps the colour. Water when the top of the mix dries and never leave water in the saucer. Keep at 18-26 °C, never below 12 °C. Feed monthly in spring and summer.
Every 10 days
Bright indirect
12° - 29°C
50% - 60%
Categories
What is Variegated rubber plant?
Variegated rubber plant (Ficus elastica 'Belize') is a medium-care plant from the Moraceae family. Ficus elastica 'Belize' is a variegated cultivar of the rubber plant, also sold as 'Ruby' or 'Red Ruby'. Its large, thick, glossy leaves mix green, cream, pink and red. New leaves emerge from a pink-sheathed spike and are the most colourful; the pink softens with age, but red-purple stays in the mid...
Variegated rubber plant grows up to 3.0m, spread of 120cm, watering every 10 days, 12°C – 29°C, 50–60% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 20 days.
How to Care for Variegated rubber plant?
TLDR: Variegated rubber plant needs Bright indirect, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between 12-29°C with 50-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Variegated rubber plant?
Water when the top 3-5 cm is dry or the pot feels much lighter. Soak the whole mix and empty the saucer. Overwatering is the most common mistake: yellow, dropping leaves. Water less in winter.
How Much Light Does Variegated rubber plant Need?
Bright indirect light near a window. Harsh midday sun scorches the pale parts of the leaves; low light fades the pink and makes it leggy.
What Is the Best Soil for Variegated rubber plant?
A houseplant mix that holds some moisture but drains well, with bark and perlite or pumice.
What Pot Should You Use for Variegated rubber plant?
A pot with drainage holes, going up just one size when roots fill it. A heavy pot keeps a tall plant from tipping over.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
What Is Variegated rubber plant and Where Does It Come From?
Ficus elastica 'Belize' is a variegated cultivar of the rubber plant, also sold as 'Ruby' or 'Red Ruby'. Its large, thick, glossy leaves mix green, cream, pink and red. New leaves emerge from a pink-sheathed spike and are the most colourful; the pink softens with age, but red-purple stays in the midribs, leaf stalks and young stems. Indoors it forms an upright small tree 1.2-3 m tall. The milky sap irritates skin and is toxic if swallowed.
How to Propagate Variegated rubber plant?
Stem cutting
Bottom heat speeds rooting. Cuttings from coloured shoots keep the variegation.
- 1 Cut a 10-15 cm stem with at least one node, wearing gloves because of the sap
- 2 Let the sap stop flowing and strip the lower leaves
- 3 Plant in light, moist mix or stand in water
- 4 Keep warm and bright, out of direct sun, until rooted
Materials needed:
Air layering
A good way to shorten a rubber plant that has grown too tall.
- 1 Make a shallow cut in the stem just below a node
- 2 Wrap the cut in damp sphagnum moss
- 3 Cover with plastic and tie at both ends
- 4 When roots show in the moss, cut below them and pot up
Materials needed:
How Big Does Variegated rubber plant Grow?
TLDR: Variegated rubber plant can reach up to 3.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
3.0m
Spread
1.2m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Variegated rubber plant?
TLDR: Variegated rubber plant is susceptible to 11 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Fun Facts
New leaves unfurl from inside a pink sheath.
In high humidity it can put out decorative aerial roots.
It is a form of the same species once grown to make rubber.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Ficus Belize losing its pink?
Why are the leaves yellowing and dropping?
Is it toxic to cats and dogs?
Are 'Belize' and 'Ruby' the same plant?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
